Legal Table Tennis Serving Technique

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum height the ball should be tossed during a legal serve in table tennis?

  • 14 cm
  • 12 cm
  • 18 cm
  • 16 cm (correct)

When should you strike the ball during a legal serve?

  • After it has started falling (correct)
  • While it is at its highest point
  • As soon as it is tossed
  • Before it touches the table

Which of the following is not allowed during a legal serve?

  • Having the free hand above the table
  • Tossing the ball vertically
  • Keeping the ball behind the end line
  • Striking the ball as it rises (correct)

What must you do with your free hand after serving?

<p>Remove it to avoid hiding the ball (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an illegal serve?

<p>Striking the ball before it's falling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the ball be positioned in relation to the table when serving?

<p>Behind the end line (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to your opponent scoring during a match?

<p>Improper serves that result in a fault (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake that amateurs make during serves?

<p>Using a no-toss serve (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for the ball before serving?

<p>The ball must be freely sitting on the server's open palm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the serve, which part of the server must be removed immediately after the ball is projected?

<p>The server's free arm, shoulder, head, and hand (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the umpire is unsure about the legality of a serve?

<p>The umpire may warn the server the first time but will judge future serves incorrectly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How must the ball be positioned in relation to the receiver during the serve?

<p>The ball must be seen by the receiver at all times. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What exception can the umpire make regarding the rules for a legal serve?

<p>Lower the rules when a physical impairment prevents compliance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a player serving incorrectly after a warning from the umpire?

<p>Any future serves by that player or their partner will be judged incorrect. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must NOT happen during the service of the ball?

<p>The receiver must not be able to see the ball until it is served. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Legal Serve Steps

Five steps to a legal serve in table tennis per ITTF rules.

Open Hand Position

Keep your hand open and flat when serving to show the ball.

Ball Toss Height

The ball must be tossed at least 16 cm high during the serve.

Vertical Toss

The ball must be tossed vertically, not at angles or dropped.

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Timing of Strike

Hit the ball only after it falls back towards the table, not while rising.

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Free Hand Position

Remove your free hand away from the ball after serving to avoid hiding it.

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Contact Visibility

Ensure your opponent can see the ball at the contact point during the serve.

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Fault Serve Rules

An unlawful serve can be called a 'fault,' impacting scoring.

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Legal Serve

A serve that follows the established rules and guidelines.

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Ball Positioning

The ball must start on the server's open palm.

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Visibility Requirement

The receiver must always see the ball during the serve.

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Server's Movement

Free arm, shoulder, head, and hand must be removed when serving.

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Umpire's Judgment

Umpires can warn a player for unclear serves but must judge future serves as incorrect.

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Physical Impairment Exception

The rules for a legal serve may be adjusted based on a player's physical condition.

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Future Serves Rule

After an umpire's warning, any subsequent serves by the player are judged incorrect.

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Study Notes

  • Ball Placement: Begin with the ball resting freely on the server's open palm.

  • Toss Height: Toss the ball vertically at least 16 cm (6.3 inches) above the table. The tossed height of the ball should be equivalent to the length of the table tennis paddle.

  • Vertical Toss: Ensure the ball is tossed vertically, not horizontally or diagonally. A straight-up trajectory is crucial.

  • Timing: The ball must be hit as it descends, not during or after its upward arc; Hit the ball only after it begins its downward path.

  • Free Hand Movement: The hand holding the ball (free hand) must be positioned above table level while serving. After serving, quickly remove the hand, shoulder, and head from the ball line of sight. This ensures the contact point is visible to the receiver.

  • Ball Visibility: The ball must be visible to the receiver at all times. Make sure the opponent can see the ball being served.

  • Minimum Height: The minimum height for the toss is 16 cm (6.3 inches); anything less is illegal.

  • Illegal Serves: A no-toss serve, hidden serve, or serve thrown to the paddle are examples of illegal serves.

  • Umpire's Role: An umpire will call a fault serve if an illegal action is observed and a player's illegal serves during a match can result in opponent's point. On first offense an umpire may warn the server; repeat offense leads to immediate loss of the point. For physical impairment, a more lenient standard may be applied.

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